How to Care for Conure Parrot

The Conure breed of parrot is often referred to as the clowns of the parrot world. Conures come in many varieties and are among the most active and clever of the captive parrot breeds. Before investing in one of these clever little birds it is good to have an understanding of the care needed for a Conure. A properly cared for Conure parrot gives many years of enjoyment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a cage online or from a local pet store that is large enough to accommodate a Conure's active nature. While Conures are not large birds, they require a lot of space to move around and play. A 44-by-26-inch cage that is 40 inches tall is ideal. It should come with a secure door entrance. Conures are smart and will easily figure out how to escape a cage that does not close securely.

2. Outfit the cage with at least two perches. Place one as close to the top as possible for your Conure to sleep. Put the other perch on a lower level with his food and water. A water bottle can be used instead of a water dish.

3. Provide regular bathing. Conures love cold or lukewarm water and bathe every day. Fill a shallow plastic container with water or place the bird directly in a sink, and watch him get thoroughly soaked and splash. Use a spray bottle on a mist setting to give the Conure a shower.

4. Offer a balanced diet. Conures eat a variety of foods from standard bird seeds, such as sunflowers and other multi-grain pre-packaged formulas, to citrus fruits. Conures crave citrus and should be provided a semi-regular diet of fruits and veggies to support a seed diet.

5. Clip the wings for the bird's own safety and to prevent it from flying into objects when startled. You can learn to clip your bird's wings after watching a breeder or a veterinary specialist demonstrate the proper method.

6. Engage their playfulness. Conures are playful, inquisitive types and should have toys to keep them occupied. Toys with bells and "shredding" materials are very popular and appreciated. Make your own toys out of things like popsicle sticks that a Conure will enjoy both playing with and chewing up.

7. Accustom your bird to frequent handling. Train your Conure to interact with you and welcome your hand. Purchase a hand-fed baby to ensure that your pet will be comfortable with your hand. Before you know it, your Conure will be demanding to be pet like it's a cat or dog.

Tips & Warnings

• As Conures typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 25 years (depending on the breed), be sure that you are ready to make a long-term commitment to your potential new pet.
• Avoid feeding your Conure avocados or chocolate as these food items are toxic to most birds.

Resources

• The Perch is a great online community of bird owners.

[NatalieJ]

on 8/1/2009 Conures are beautiful birds and make lovely pets but they are also known for their loud squawking that can be annoying to some owners. Make sure you understand this before bringing one home. Great article.

[imme911]

on 8/1/2009 good information